SANZAR has pledged support to ongoing relief efforts following natural disasters in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa by branding round one of the forthcoming Super Rugby season the "Disaster Relief Round".

In a joint venture between the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and South African Rugby Union (SARU), the tournament's franchises will be working to raise awareness of support schemes following heavy flooding in Queensland, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State and the Pike River mining disaster in New Zealand.

The Reds' season opener against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium, itself submerged under water for a time, will see collections carried out while the Durban-based Sharks will be calling on supporters to contribute to a local relief agency during their match against the Cheetahs after 123 people were killed in South African flooding.

The Crusaders are putting their weight behind fundraising efforts to support the families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River mine.

"We are keen to use the interest in the launch of Super Rugby to support those impacted and to raise awareness of the relief funds and the different ways people can make donations," SANZAR CEO Greg Peters said.

Meanwhile, broadcast partners Fox Sports, in Australia, Sky TV, in New Zealand and SuperSport in South Africa will be promoting relief websites for people to donate during their coverage of opening round matches.